France kicks off the 2024 Six Nations as the favored team according to many pundits and fans, yet five other formidable teams are eager to challenge their prospects.
In a highly anticipated matchup, France will host Ireland, another strong contender, at the Velodrome in Marseille on Friday night. The victor will harbor ambitions of clinching the title when the tournament concludes.
Explore all the essential details about the France vs Ireland clash in the 2024 Six Nations right here.
Date: Friday, February 2
Time: 3:00 pm ET / 8:00 pm UK
Venue: the Orange Vélodrome in Marseille
TV Channel: ITV (UK)
Who is the referee?
England’s Karl Dickson will be in charge of the match in Marseille.
Team News: France vs Ireland
Ireland faces the absence of center Garry Ringrose due to a shoulder injury, prompting Bundee Aki and Robbie Henshaw to pair up in midfield. The pivotal fly-half position sees Jack Crowley starting for the first time, succeeding the influential Johnny Sexton, who retired after the World Cup.
Veteran flanker Peter O’Mahony takes on the leadership role in Sexton’s absence, while Calvin Nash earns his first Six Nations appearance and senior Ireland start on the wing, filling in for the injured Mack Hansen with a dislocated shoulder. Leinster lock Joe McCarthy makes his debut in the competition, chosen over James Ryan alongside Tadhg Beirne in the second row, as Iain Henderson is not in the matchday squad.
Head coach Andy Farrell opted for a 6-2 bench split, featuring only Ciaran Frawley and Conor Murray as backs. Injuries sideline Jimmy O’Brien and Dave Kilcoyne.
For France, captain Antoine Dupont sits out the Six Nations to prepare for sevens at the upcoming Olympics. No. 8 Gregory Alldritt takes on the leadership role. Scrum-half Maxime Lucu steps in for Dupont, and uncapped Nolann Le Garrec is on the bench. Paul Gabrillagues and the fit-again Paul Willemse pair up at lock, while Yoram Moefana gets the nod over Louis Bielle-Biarrey on the wing. With Romain Ntamack still recovering from a knee injury, Matthieu Jalibert continued at fly-half, teaming up with Bordeaux teammate Lucu. Francois Cros replaces the injured Anthony Jelonch at flanker, and Alexandre Roumat joins the squad in Jelonch’s absence.
Team Ireland XV Lineups
Hugo Keenan, Calvin Nash, Robbie Henshaw, Bundee Aki, James Lowe, Jack Crowley, Jamison Gibson-Park; Andrew Porter, Dan Sheehan, Tadhg Furlong, Joe McCarthy, Tadhg Beirne, Peter O’Mahony (C), Josh van der Flier, Caelan Doris.
Replacements: Rónan Kelleher, Cian Healy, Finlay Bealham, James Ryan, Ryan Baird, Jack Conan, Conor Murray, Ciarán Frawley.
Team France XV Lineups
15-Thomas Ramos, 14-Damian Penaud, 13-Gael Fickou, 12-Jonathan Danty, 11-Yoram Moefana, 10-Matthieu Jalibert, 9-Maxime Lucu, 8-Gregory Alldritt (captain), 7-Charles Ollivon, 6-Francois Cros, 5-Paul Willemse, 4-Paul Gabrillagues, 3-Uini Atonio, 2-Peato Mauvaka, 1-Cyril Baille
Replacements: 16-Julien Marchand, 17-Reda Wardi, 18-Dorian Aldegheri, 19-Romain Taofifenua, 20-Cameron Woki, 21-Paul Boudehent, 22-Nolann Le Garrec, 23-Louis Bielle-Biarrey
